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Cranford is set in a small market town populated largely by a number of respectable ladies. It tells of their secrets and foibles, their gossip and their romances as they face the challenges of dealing with new inhabitants to their society and innovations to their settled existence. It was first published between 1851 and 1853 as episodes in Charles Dickens’ Journal Household Words. Appended to this recording is a short sequel, The Cage at Cranford, written ten years later and published in the journal All the Year Round. In a letter to Mrs. Gaskell, Charlotte Bronte wrote: “Thank you for your letter, it was as pleasant as a quiet chat, as welcome as spring showers, as reviving as a friend’s visit; in short, it was very like a page of Cranford.”… Cranford is a genteel and humorous look at Victorian society by Elizabeth Gaskell, and is quite a change from her more gritty novels like Mary Barton or North and South.
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The story is told almost entirely from the point of view of the first person narrator, David Copperfield himself, and was the first Dickens novel to be written as such a narration. The story deals with the life of David Copperfield from childhood to maturity. David’s father had died six months before he was born, and seven years later, his mother remarries but David and his step-father don’t get on and he is sent to boarding school. As David settles into life we are taken along with him and meet a dazzling array of characters, some of whom we will never forget and some of whom we won’t want to remember!
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Emma Woodhouse, aged 20 at the start of the novel, is a young, beautiful, witty, and privileged woman in Regency England. She sadly is also rather spoiled, headstrong, and self-satisfied; she greatly overestimates her own matchmaking abilities, is blind to the dangers of meddling in other people’s lives, and her imagination and perceptions often lead her astray. Her indulgent father and lack of a mother have left her spoiled and used to getting her own way. Emma’s only true critic and voice of reason is Mr. Knightley, a gentleman whose opinion she values greatly, and who cares deeply for her, but whose affection she does not see, while seeking to play matchmaker in the lives of others. She delights in meddling in the romantic affairs of everyone around her, thinking celibacy is a privilege she alone can enjoy, by virtue of her social standing. Happily, in the end, Emma is forced to acknowledge both her own lack of proper insight into the motives of others, and admit her need for a companion who can challenge her to become a better woman.
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A collection of works by Danish author and poet, Hans Christian Andersen, who is most famous for his fairy tales. Chapters include: The Tinder-Box, Little Claus and Big Claus, The Princess and the Pea, Little Ida’s Flowers, Little Tiny or Thumbelina, The Saucy Boy, The Travelling Companion, The Little Mermaid Parts 1 & 2, The Emperor’s New Suit, The Galoshes of Fortune Parts 1 & 2, The Daisy, The Brave Tin Soldier, The Wild Swans, The Garden of Paradise, The Flying Trunk, The Storks, The Elf of the Rose, What the Moon Saw Parts 1, 2, & 3, The Wicked Prince, The Metal Pig, The Shepherd’s Story of the Bond of Friendship, A Rose from Homer’s Grave, The Buckwheat, Ole-Luk-Oie, the Dream-God, and The Swineherd.
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Volume 2 of the collection of works by Danish author and poet, Hans Christian Andersen, who is most famous for his fairy tales. Chapters include: The Angel, The Nightingale, The Ugly Duckling, The Top and Ball, The Fir Tree, The Snow Queen Parts 1-3, The Little Elder-Tree Mother, The Elfin Hill, The Red Shoes, The Jumper, The Shepherdess and the Sweep, Holger Danske, The Bell, Grandmother, The Darning-Needle, The Little Match-Seller, The Sunbeam and the Captive, By the Almshouse Window, The Old Street Lamp, The Neighboring Families, Little Tuk, and The Shadow.
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Volume 3 of the collection of works by Danish author and poet, Hans Christian Andersen, who is most famous for his fairy tales. Chapters include: The Old House, The Drop of Water, The Happy Family, The Story of a Mother, The Shirt Collar, The Flax, The Phoenix Bird, A Story, The Puppet-Show Man, The Dumb Book, The Old Gravestone, The Conceited Apple Branch, The Loveliest Rose in the World, In a Thousand Years, The Swan's Nest, The Story of the Year, There Is No Doubt About It, A Cheerful Temper, A Great Grief, Everything in the Right Place, The Goblin and the Huckster, Under the Willow Tree, The Pea Blossom, and She was Good for Nothing.
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When Phronsie is kidnapped by an organ grinder, she is rescued by young Jasper King and his dog Prince, both of whom soon become fast friends with the Peppers. The family so charms Jasper and his father that soon they invite the family to live with them. Mr. King makes Mrs. Pepper his housekeeper and does everything in his power to entertain and educate the children. Though the Kings surround the Pepper children with luxury, the values of hard work, humility, and togetherness are still firmly enforced by their mother. Though they live with an upper-class father and son, the older children are aware they’ll someday work for their livings. The stories of the Pepper family have delighted children for generations!
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A collection of short stories by L.M. Montgomery famed author of the Anne of Green Gables Series. Further Chronicles of Avonlea is the enjoyable sequel to Chronicles of Avonlea lightly featuring some of our favorite characters including Anne, Rachel Lynde, and Matthew Cuthbert , but mostly vignettes of other inhabitants of Avonlea, and the surrounding area. The book includes fifteen short and entertaining, funny and romantic stories, including: “Aunt Cynthia’s Persian Cat”, “The Materializing of Cecil”, “The Dream-Child”, “The Little Brown Book of Miss Emily”, “The Conscience Case of David Bell”, and many more. The tales will delight the reader and make a perfect addition to the Avonlea section of their bookshelf!
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In one of Charles Dickens’ most beloved stories, Philip Pirrip, known as “Pip”, narrates his own journey, from the hindsight of 50 years.
Pip grows up with his older sister after losing his parents at a very early age. His sister, a tough unloving woman, rules Pip and her gentle husband Joe with an iron hand. During Pip’s 7th year, while playing in the marshes, he is accosted by an escaped criminal whom he decides to help by stealing food from his own home. But the convict is caught and returned to prison.
Miss Havisham, an eccentric, rich recluse, sends for Pip to come to her house to play with Estella, a haughty and rude girl about his age. Although Pip is ashamed of himself as a poor uneducated boy, he is fascinated by Estella. A few years later, he becomes apprenticed to Joe, a blacksmith, but dreams of becoming rich and clever and marrying Estella. A stranger, Mr. Jaggers, arrives to inform him that he has come into a handsome property, and will be removed from his present home to be brought up as a gentleman. The benefactor is kept secret, but Pip is sure it must be Miss Havisham.
In London, he acquires a tutor, grand new clothes and the lifestyle he always wanted. However, life is complicated as a gentleman in society, and he finds himself very unhappy, as Estella remains indifferent to him, involved with someone else. Pip begins overspending his generous allowance, and worse, spurns his old friends. Then unexpected problems from his past arise, and begin to transform his attitude.
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A warm and loving story, full of touching moments, Heidi, transports the listener from the fine air and freedom of the mountaintop, to the confines of the bustling city of Frankfurt, then back to the peaks again, bounding in flowered fields with goats at your heels and sky utterly surrounding you. We meet Heidi when she is 5, led up the mountain by her aunt who has raised the orphan, but must leave now for a position in Frankfurt. In a mountain cottage overlooking the valley Heidi meets, and is now to live with, her grandfather, thought to be a hard and eccentric man by the nearby villagers. It is Heidi and her sweet and free nature that touches and softens the heart of the old man, bringing about a deep and touching bond between the two. When Heidi is taken from the mountains and nearly doesn’t make it back again, the most humorous as well as most heart-wringing scenes occur. All she learns during her absence from the mountain she brings back as seeds that will grow to benefit everyone around her. The story of Heidi is filled with the child’s wonder, devotion, and sometimes humorous good intentions, the endearing traits that have lead the book to become a favorite among classic children’s literature.
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The book tells the story of the quest for Captain Grant of the Britannia. After finding a bottle cast into the ocean by the captain himself after the Britannia is shipwrecked, Lord and Lady Glenarvan of Scotland decide to launch a rescue expedition. The main difficulty is that the coordinates of the wreckage are mostly erased, and only the latitude (37 degrees) is known. Lord Glenarvan makes it his quest to find Grant; together with his wife, Grant’s children and the crew of his yacht the Duncan they set off for South America. An unexpected passenger in the form of French geographer Jacques Paganel joins the search. They explore Patagonia, Tristan da Cunha Island, Amsterdam Island, Australia and New Zealand in their search for the castaways.
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Jo’s Boys is the third book in the Little Women trilogy by Louisa May Alcott. This volume follows the lives of the Plumfield boys who were introduced in Little Men, particularly Tommy, Emil, Demi, Nat, Dan, and Professor Bhaer and Jo’s sons Rob and Teddy, although the others make frequent appearances as well. Jo remains at the center of the tale, surrounded by her boys as they experience shipwreck and storm, disappointment and even murder. As with any tale of growing up, the book includes romance as the childhood playmates become young men and women. The characters are growing up, going out into the world and deciding their futures which brings a whole host of new adventures, learning experiences, and the emotions of coming of age.
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Just So Stories is a long-loved collection of fanciful tales written by British author Rudyard Kipling. Originally told to his own children and their friends, he later wrote them down for publication, and they are among Kipling’s best known works. Highly fantasized origin stories, highlighting differences among animals, and how certain phenomena in nature supposedly came to be, their witty presentation delights children. There are twelve stories about animals, insects, and other subjects which include chapters like: How the Camel Got His Hump, The Butterfly That Stamped, and How the Alphabet Was Made.
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David Balfour, a lad of seventeen and newly orphaned, is directed to go and live with his rich uncle, the master of the estate of Shaws in the lowlands of Scotland near Edinburgh. His uncle, Ebenezer, a true miser, doesn’t want him to discover that David is the rightful heir to the estate. After a failed attempt to get rid of him by “accident”, Ebenezer pays the captain of a ship to kidnap the boy, with the plan to sell him into slavery in Carolina.
On the journey the ship collides with a smaller rig and the lone survivor Alan Breck a “rebel” Jacobite climbs on board. David hears of a plan by the crew to overpower Alan and seize the gold he carries, tries to warn him, and then finds himself fighting for his life alongside Alan. Thankfully, Alan is very good with a sword and helping themselves to the ship’s firearms locker the pair fight so valiantly that the captain has no choice but to agree to give them passage back to the mainland. As they near land the ship unfortunately runs aground, and David finds himself a castaway.
The lad soon revives and starts again to find his way home. Along the journey he stops to ask directions from a member of the party out with Colin Roy Campbell, the infamous “Red Fox” who has been oppressing Alan’s people, when the man is shot to death by a sniper, and David is chased as an accomplice. He chances to meet up with Breck while fleeing and two “take to the heather” and barely survive numerous near brushes with redcoats. Traveling across the length of Scotland, they come to the mouth of the River Forth. With no money remaining, they must somehow cross to Queensferry, find Ebenezer’s lawyer, and lay claim to David’s inheritance in order to send Alan safely on to France.
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This story is about an American lad of 7 years old who lives with his young widowed mother in New York. He spends his days with his friend the grocery man Mr. Hobbs, the boot black Dick, and other young lads from his town. His best friend is his mother, whom he calls dearest, because that is what his papa used to call her. Cedric has curly blond hair, a sturdy young body, and a beautiful face that is only matched by his sweet temperament. He is always thinking of others and what they might need. One day, an English lawyer comes to Cedric’s house with news that will change his young life forever. Cedric’s papa was the son of a great Earl in England. The earl has lost all three of his sons and is now looking for his heir. He is a crusty old gentlemen with a hard, cold heart., who has spent his life chasing after his own pleasures and not caring for the needs of others, especially the needs his tenantry. He is extremely prejudiced against Americans and was outraged when his youngest son married an American woman. His proud heart views with disgust his young heir, before he even meets him, expecting him to be rude, uneducated, and selfish. Little does he know that meeting little Cedric will change his life forever. The sweet nature and innate kindness of the boy begins to rub off on the old earl, and he comes to see that Cedric, who befriends and cares for the poor and needy on the Earl’s estate, will be a better Earl than he has been.
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Jo March, the tomboy heroine of Little Women, is now Mrs. Jo Bhaer, married and with a family of her own. Jo and her husband, Professor Bhaer, open their hearts (and their home) to educate and care for a handful of rowdy yet well-meaning youngsters. With two sons of her own, and twelve rescued orphan boys filling the informal school at Plumfield, Jo couldn’t be happier. The endearing cast of boys includes Nat, an orphaned street musician, cold and frightened when he first arrives at their door; business-minded Tommy; Dan, a “wild boy” eventually tamed by love and kindness; and other lovable characters. As with any group of boys the adventures and scrapes are abundant, but not outweighed by the morals to be learned and the love shared. An engaging sequel to Little Women, you will surely find a new favorite in Little Men!
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Little Women is the beloved-classic story of The March family, Mr. and Mrs. March (known as Marmee), and their four girls–Practical, yet fashion conscious Meg, who longs for the nice things they used to have. Rambunctious, book worm, Jo, who wants to become a writer and wishes she were born a boy, the “heroine” of the book. Shy and quiet, home-loving Beth, who loves to play the piano and play with her kitties. Finally, the youngest: artistic, vain, and often selfish Amy, who loves to use big words and longs for an aristocratic nose! The story takes place during the American Civil War, and begins with Mr. March away from home as a chaplain to the Union army, while his wife and daughters remain at home to work and wait for his safe return. This book follows their joys, sorrows, and scrapes along the path to the girls becoming grown up “little women”. Many of the scrapes they get into include Laurie–their harum scarum next door neighbor, who becomes their adopted brother. The two families, The March’s and the Laurence’s strike up a lasting friendship, despite their differences in material belongings. Alcott’s books are enduring classics, a look into an era gone by, as well as the emotions of growing up, learning to face the various joys and sorrows of life.
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Imagine a strange, tropical place that is almost inaccessible. Time appears to have stood still there. Species of animal and plant life not seen elsewhere on Earth, except in the fossil record, inhabit the place. The lakes heave with the shapes of huge grey bulks moving under the surface. The woods are places where chittering cries move about above your head, as powerful apes move swiftly in the canopy of leaves. Then, a tree splinters nearby, and a dinosaur steps out from his hiding place… and he’s eyeing YOU. Jurassic Park? Not quite. The Lost World was an inspiration for Jurassic Park; in fact, a character in J.P. has the same name as one of the chief characters in The Lost World. It also inspired King Kong. But this is the original! Four adventurers go off to find the place shown in a dead man’s sketch book – they find a war between apes and Natives, prowling dinosaurs, a sparkly treasure hidden in the blue clay – they find The Lost World. To top things off, because of the treachery of a native guide, their means of escape is destroyed! Adventure and suspense await in this thrilling, fictitious tale of a world of prehistoric creatures, natives, and more!
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In this, the last of the Three Musketeers novels, Dumas builds on the true story of a mysterious prisoner held incognito in the French penal system, forced to wear a mask when seen by any but his jailer or his valet. If you have skipped the novels between The Three Musketeers and this, a few notes will bring you into the story:
On one side – Aramis, now a bishop and secretly the Captain-General of the Jesuit Order, who believes he has found a path to a higher honor – the papacy. Monsieur Fouquet, the vastly rich minister of finance, Aramis’ ally. Philippe, the identical twin of King Louis XIV, who grew up in ignorance of his pedigree, and whose surrogate parents were murdered on the king’s order and himself sent into the notorious Paris prison, the Bastille, there held in solitary confinement.
On the other side – King Louis XIV, selected as the twin who would be king by his mother, and who intends that his brother will never challenge him. Monsieur Colbert, first minister, who is jealous of Fouquet and plots his downfall.
Unaligned and in danger of collateral damage – d’Artagnan, now captain of the King’s Musketeers and so the king’s chief defender, who suspects plots running beneath the surface and who is trying to unearth them. Athos, now the Comte (Count) de la Fer and one of the most respected noblemen of France. Raoul, Athos’ son and vicomte (viscount), desperately in love with Mademoiselle de la Valliere, who the king has taken as his mistress. Porthos, grown extremely stout and happy as the Baron du Vallon.
Aramis discovers the hidden Philippe and hatches a plot to substitute him for the sitting king, putting Louis in Philippe’s cell in the Bastille. This even succeeds… for a short while. But Aramis has not reckoned with a man whose loyalty to the throne exceeds his own welfare and who disastrously reverses the plot. Now it is time for the plotters to scurry to cover, there to figure some way to recover their lost ambitions.
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Mrs. Peter Rabbit is another book by Thornton W. Burgess, in which we meet the lucky little bunny who will become Mrs. Peter Rabbit. Something is wrong with Peter Rabbit, he has no appetite, he is lonely, he just doesn’t know what’s wrong! Peter decides to visit some friends in the Old Pasture but instead finds himself narrowly escaping the clutches of Hooty Owl, experiencing a nasty encounter with Jed Thumper (a big gray rabbit), and eventually staring right into the soft, gentle eyes of Miss Fuzzytail. Soon, Peter has a bride! Children will love listening to the adventures of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Rabbit as they start a new, and often precarious, life together in the Dear Old Briar-Patch. As always, Burgess tells the tale in an engaging manner that brings to life the characteristics of our animal friends!
Share this page and help us reach more people—your support matters! Experience the true story of faith, sacrifice, and service in Yankee at Molokai, the unforgettable audiobook of Brother Joseph’s legacy. As a daring soldier in the Union Army, Ira […]
Share this page and help us reach more people—your support matters! True Stories for First Communicants Audiobook – Beautiful Catholic stories that help children treasure their First Communion. A companion to the popular First Communion Days, by the […]
Share this page and help us reach more people—your support matters! The companion volume to Just Stories, by the same author, Tell Us Another! Stories That Never Grow Old, is a collection of 65 little stories for the Catholic child (and adult), […]
Share this page and help us reach more people—your support matters! Sunday Morning Storyland brings Gospel truths to life for children, just as Jesus welcomed and taught the little ones. A collection of sermons for each Sunday of the year, written […]
Share this page and help us reach more people—your support matters! This scene from Stories From God’s Holy Book reminds young readers to trust Christ even in life’s storms. Stories From God’s Holy Book is a charming collection of Bible history […]
